Russian Tech Clampdown: Fines Resolved for Google, Meta, TikTok, and Telegram
Fines imposed by Russian tech players, including Alphabet’s Google, Meta, TikTok, and Telegram, appear to have been settled, as these companies are no longer listed as debtors in the state bailiffs’ database. However, as of Wednesday, the database still indicates outstanding fines for X (formerly Twitter) and Twitch, amounting to 51 million roubles ($560,730) and 23 million roubles ($252,879), respectively.
Despite multiple attempts to obtain comments, Google, Meta, TikTok, and Telegram did not respond, and state bailiffs could not be reached immediately for clarification.
Background: Tech Disputes in Russia
Russian tech has been embroiled in disputes with foreign tech firms over perceived unlawful content and a failure to store user data locally. Tensions escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In the aftermath, Twitter, Meta Platforms’ Facebook, and Instagram were blocked, with Google-owned YouTube facing increased scrutiny from the Russian government.
In late 2023, a Russian court imposed a 4.6 billion rouble ($50.4 million) fine on Google, calculated as a percentage of its annual turnover in Russia. Meta, labeled as “extremist” in 2022, also faced fines proportional to its Russian revenue.
The resolution of fines for Google, Meta, TikTok, and Telegram suggests a possible easing of tensions, while X and Twitch remain subject to outstanding penalties in the ongoing regulatory landscape.
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